Epilog
***The Shire***
The late-spring sun shone down brightly on the grassy hills of the Shire. It was far past noon when the elven rider arrived at Bag-End. It was a strange site to see indeed, a lone messenger astride his horse. Both giants in the land of the little-people. The elf in question was simply obeying orders, but he found that getting instructions around this place was more trouble than it was worth. The locals either gazed up at him in awe, ran for their houses, or simply didn't answer a single question he asked.
However, here he was now, at Bag-End. Getting off his horse, he strode up to the small dwelling of the Hobbit Frodo Baggins. He knocked on the round red door, and he had to bend over to do it too.
His keen elf ears picked up voices from inside the house, none of which he recognized. He was a Mirkwood Elf, and only knew of Frodo Baggins because of the news of the Ring.
"Wait Frodo!" A voice said from inside. "It's an elf!"
"An Elf?" The voice the messenger assumed was Frodo.
"What does he want?" Another voice said. "Probably wants us to go on some other adventure of some sort. Don't open the door Sam!"
"But maybe it's important!" Sam's muffled voice objected.
"Oh don't be daft Pip." Still another voice said. "He probably wants to say hello!"
"Come all the way here to just say hello?" Pip asked, his tone disbelieving. "Now you've drinkin' too much!"
The messenger, having tired of waiting and eves-dropping, knocked again on the door. This time a little harder.
It was then that the round door opened, and out popped a dark curly-haired hobbit. "What is it?" The Hobbit asked, crossing his arms.
The Elf took a few steps places back, so that he could stand upright again. "Are you Frodo Baggins?" He asked. The Hobbit nodded. "Than I am a messenger from Mirkwood. The Prince asks that you and your friends are present at his wedding tomorrow."
Suddenly, it was then that three other Hobbits pushed out from behind the door, eyes wide. "Legolas?" One asked, and the elf recognized the voice as belonging to Pip.
"And Lady Orian?" Another asked, who was Sam.
"Yes." The messenger answered. "We should leave at once to arrive on time tomorrow afternoon."
"Is Aragorn and Eowyn and Gimli and Arwen going to be there?" Frodo asked.
The messenger nodded. "And Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel, and several other important persons."
At this, the eyes of the Hobbits grew large, and their smiles got even larger. "We'll be ready in just a second." One said, and as quick as a flash, they all went back into the Hobbit-House.
After a moment Pippen stuck his head out of the door to look up at the Elf. "What do you suggest we wear?" He asked.
"I would suppose your finest robes would be appropriate." The Elf answered. With that, the Hobbit again returned into the house.
After a while, the Hobbits reemerged. However, this time it was the Elf's turn to let his eyes widen. Frodo, Sam, and Pippen all wore the regal clothes of knights of Gondor. While Merry wore the clothing of a knight of Rohan. They all stood there looking up at him. "Well," Frodo said. "I guess it's time to go."
"We'll get our horses, and be right with you." Sam said, leading the Hobbits away and toward the rear of Bag-End.
The Elf lifted an eyebrow, but it was no joke. Soon he was leading a procession of four hobbits, who followed him on their white ponies. Their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
***Mirkwood, the Next Afternoon***
Golden sunshine wafted through the high trees of the forests of Mirkwood. Leaves rustled on the ground as the slight breeze blew them first this way then that, and there was a great peace on the ancient woods.
In a tiny clearing amongst the trees, a company of friends stood in silence. Eowyn stood with Faramir, and Aragorn was with Arwen, while the four Hobbits stood there also. Gandalf the White leaned on his staff, and overlooked the going-on with a smile on his face. Gimli was Legolas's best man, while Eowyn was Orian's maid of honor. They were all looking at the two people who's wedding had for a brief moment rejoined the Fellowship.
Orian and Legolas both wore white clothes. Orian's hair was braided, with gold laced into it, and her white dress was trimmed with gold patterns on the sleeves and around the neck. She looked more beautiful and peaceful than ever before. Her hair and eyes caught the light, reflecting it in a brilliance of color.
Legolas stood strait and tall, his cloths also were trimmed in gold, and he held Orian's hands in his own. He looked down at Orian, his blue eyes smiling.
Lord Elrond stood beside them, because they had asked for him to perform the marriage seal. "It is a time of peace now." He said, his voice carrying throughout the forest. "For all countries and races. Healing will come to this land, and with it will also come happiness. The seal I now make is binding, do you accept the blessing of the Valar and vow to stay true to each other forever, letting no others come between you?" Elrond paused, looking at Legolas. "Do you? Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and the Woodland Realm?"
Legolas nodded, not breaking eye-contact with Orian. "I do."
Elrond turned to Orian. "And do you? Lady Orian of Mirkwood and Lothlorien?"
Orian nodded slowly. "I do."
Lord Elrond placed his hands over Legolas's and Orian's, bowing his head. "My irreth le serrican." *Let all who witness.* "Seren te vecab tren si erieco." *And all the lands of Middle-Earth and beyond know,* "Fere serja el quidad misteth ver lser 'vcom Valar." *That these two have entered an oath to the Valar.* Elrond looked up through the sunshine in the trees. "That they have the Blessing." He looked down at Orian and Legolas. "I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." With that, he took his hands away from theirs, and stepped back.
Gimli, who had been watching all of this waited a moment, then said. "Well lad! Haul off and kiss her!"
Orian and Legolas laughed. But Legolas did what he had been advised, and the whole group cheered, and it rang through the forest.
After the kiss ended, Legolas and Orian turned to face their friends, hand in hand. Orian tossed her boque high into the air, and it seemed to fly by magic.
However, everyone was surprised at just who caught it. Eomir of Rohan blushed a bright crimson, looking at the bunch of flowers in his hands. Everyone laughed heartily when they saw his face. They hadn't seen him more shocked even in the field of battle!
Later there was dancing and music. It was a time of great happiness indeed. The Hobbits and Men and Elves clustered together, telling stories of their adventures, and laughing in good nature. Orian, Arwen, and Eowyn sang a merry tune toward the evening's end, bidding the world goodnight. Eventually they all retired, Orian taking Legolas's hand, Eowyn taking Faramir's, and Arwen taking Aragorn's. But Eomir, Gimli, Gandalf, and the Hobbits stayed up till the break of dawn, telling stories and contemplating the world.
***Three Years Later Sailing over the Sea to Valinore*** Legolas and Orian stood alone on the deck of the white swan-ship which was taking them to the Undying Lands. They both wore loose leather riding clothes, having ridden to the shores of Middle-Earth that very morning. Together they watched the shores of Middle-Earth dwindle and then disappear in the distance. And they could not deny the feeling of sadness in their hearts.
Orian leaned her head against Legolas's shoulder, taking a deep breath of the sea air. "Isn't it amazing." She said quietly.
"What?" Legolas asked.
"That we have actually left them."
"I am sure we're leaving Middle-Earth in good hands." He replied. "Our time was over. The time of Men is just beginning."
"Do you think they will use their time wisely?" Orian whispered.
Legolas shrugged. "As long as there is goodness and honor in their hearts." He replied quietly.
Orian nodded, sighing. "I think they will be fine, Legolas." She said. "I really think they will." After a moment she asked, "What do you think will happen when we get to Valinor?"
Legolas sighed, taking her hand in his. "Nothing probably."
It was then that it was as if the sky pulled back in front of them, and the horizon meshed in a brilliant flash of light. Orian and Legolas flung up their hands to try to ward of the blinding light, but within an instant it was gone. And on the horizon, instead of being endless sea, they saw white shores.
"Valinor." Legolas breathed.
"Do you hear that?" Orian asked suddenly.
Legolas nodded. "Singing." He answered. "I hear singing."
***Later***
As the last ship from Middle-Earth docked on the shores of Valinore, a multitude of Elves poured from every house in the nearby city. They came on horseback, on foot, and in carriages.
When Orian, Legolas, Frodo and Gandalf came down the long plank and onto the docks they were waiting for them.
"Welcome." A tall elf said, as they came to a halt in front of him. "We have been waiting for you." He said, his eyes looking over the small group. "We have heard about your great deeds in Middle-Earth, and so honor you. Welcome." He motioned over the sea-shore. "Welcome. To Valinor."
With that, the crowd began to cheer and shout. They sang, their fine elven voices filling the sky. As Orian and Legolas, along with the rest of the group, walked into the city, the people lined up to see them. Flower petals were thrown into the air, where they were caught by the breeze and brought out far over the sea.
Legolas and Orian reached out their hands, and the crowds reached out also, their fingertips brushing. However, that wasn't all. There was laughter. Children's laughter. Elflings came rushing about the small group's legs, looking up at them with bright eyes.
Orian and Legolas glanced at each other, and Legolas wrapped his arm around her waist. Orian laughed, drawing even closer to into his warm embrace. It was then that all hurtful memories of war and pain were forgotten. They would live here forever, and they would be happy. Forever.
(A.N.
And so my story ends,
Full of darkness and danger it was,
And sometimes you didn't want to know the end,
Because how could the end be happy?
But it was.
Like many true struggles between good and evil,
Good always wins,
No matter what.
And that's all you have to remember if nothing else.
Good always wins.
Because there are people out there who won't let it be defeated.)
***//For Your Information//***
Legolas and Orian now have a daughter and two sons. The daughter is most fair, with strait blond hair and a laugh that can shame a bubbling brook. They named her Arwen, for Orian's cousin who followed her heart.
The two boys are great in stature, and they ride their horses over the mountains of Valinor with the eagles. One they named Aragorn, and another they named Haldirran. Both youths have dark brown hair and striking green eyes. Not to mention a mischievous nature that outlasts the day with their joking and laughing.
Orian and Legolas live in the deeper forest of Valanor, in amongst the ever- green trees. However, it isn't the end of their adventures. Sometimes you can see them setting out see what lies beyond the mountain ranges on great white stallions. Always they come back with tales of adventure. However, it is rumored that Arwen, Aragorn, and Haldirran might have a new little sister sometime soon. Everyone is very excited.
-End.
***The Shire***
The late-spring sun shone down brightly on the grassy hills of the Shire. It was far past noon when the elven rider arrived at Bag-End. It was a strange site to see indeed, a lone messenger astride his horse. Both giants in the land of the little-people. The elf in question was simply obeying orders, but he found that getting instructions around this place was more trouble than it was worth. The locals either gazed up at him in awe, ran for their houses, or simply didn't answer a single question he asked.
However, here he was now, at Bag-End. Getting off his horse, he strode up to the small dwelling of the Hobbit Frodo Baggins. He knocked on the round red door, and he had to bend over to do it too.
His keen elf ears picked up voices from inside the house, none of which he recognized. He was a Mirkwood Elf, and only knew of Frodo Baggins because of the news of the Ring.
"Wait Frodo!" A voice said from inside. "It's an elf!"
"An Elf?" The voice the messenger assumed was Frodo.
"What does he want?" Another voice said. "Probably wants us to go on some other adventure of some sort. Don't open the door Sam!"
"But maybe it's important!" Sam's muffled voice objected.
"Oh don't be daft Pip." Still another voice said. "He probably wants to say hello!"
"Come all the way here to just say hello?" Pip asked, his tone disbelieving. "Now you've drinkin' too much!"
The messenger, having tired of waiting and eves-dropping, knocked again on the door. This time a little harder.
It was then that the round door opened, and out popped a dark curly-haired hobbit. "What is it?" The Hobbit asked, crossing his arms.
The Elf took a few steps places back, so that he could stand upright again. "Are you Frodo Baggins?" He asked. The Hobbit nodded. "Than I am a messenger from Mirkwood. The Prince asks that you and your friends are present at his wedding tomorrow."
Suddenly, it was then that three other Hobbits pushed out from behind the door, eyes wide. "Legolas?" One asked, and the elf recognized the voice as belonging to Pip.
"And Lady Orian?" Another asked, who was Sam.
"Yes." The messenger answered. "We should leave at once to arrive on time tomorrow afternoon."
"Is Aragorn and Eowyn and Gimli and Arwen going to be there?" Frodo asked.
The messenger nodded. "And Lord Elrond, Lady Galadriel, and several other important persons."
At this, the eyes of the Hobbits grew large, and their smiles got even larger. "We'll be ready in just a second." One said, and as quick as a flash, they all went back into the Hobbit-House.
After a moment Pippen stuck his head out of the door to look up at the Elf. "What do you suggest we wear?" He asked.
"I would suppose your finest robes would be appropriate." The Elf answered. With that, the Hobbit again returned into the house.
After a while, the Hobbits reemerged. However, this time it was the Elf's turn to let his eyes widen. Frodo, Sam, and Pippen all wore the regal clothes of knights of Gondor. While Merry wore the clothing of a knight of Rohan. They all stood there looking up at him. "Well," Frodo said. "I guess it's time to go."
"We'll get our horses, and be right with you." Sam said, leading the Hobbits away and toward the rear of Bag-End.
The Elf lifted an eyebrow, but it was no joke. Soon he was leading a procession of four hobbits, who followed him on their white ponies. Their armor gleaming in the sunlight.
***Mirkwood, the Next Afternoon***
Golden sunshine wafted through the high trees of the forests of Mirkwood. Leaves rustled on the ground as the slight breeze blew them first this way then that, and there was a great peace on the ancient woods.
In a tiny clearing amongst the trees, a company of friends stood in silence. Eowyn stood with Faramir, and Aragorn was with Arwen, while the four Hobbits stood there also. Gandalf the White leaned on his staff, and overlooked the going-on with a smile on his face. Gimli was Legolas's best man, while Eowyn was Orian's maid of honor. They were all looking at the two people who's wedding had for a brief moment rejoined the Fellowship.
Orian and Legolas both wore white clothes. Orian's hair was braided, with gold laced into it, and her white dress was trimmed with gold patterns on the sleeves and around the neck. She looked more beautiful and peaceful than ever before. Her hair and eyes caught the light, reflecting it in a brilliance of color.
Legolas stood strait and tall, his cloths also were trimmed in gold, and he held Orian's hands in his own. He looked down at Orian, his blue eyes smiling.
Lord Elrond stood beside them, because they had asked for him to perform the marriage seal. "It is a time of peace now." He said, his voice carrying throughout the forest. "For all countries and races. Healing will come to this land, and with it will also come happiness. The seal I now make is binding, do you accept the blessing of the Valar and vow to stay true to each other forever, letting no others come between you?" Elrond paused, looking at Legolas. "Do you? Prince Legolas of Mirkwood and the Woodland Realm?"
Legolas nodded, not breaking eye-contact with Orian. "I do."
Elrond turned to Orian. "And do you? Lady Orian of Mirkwood and Lothlorien?"
Orian nodded slowly. "I do."
Lord Elrond placed his hands over Legolas's and Orian's, bowing his head. "My irreth le serrican." *Let all who witness.* "Seren te vecab tren si erieco." *And all the lands of Middle-Earth and beyond know,* "Fere serja el quidad misteth ver lser 'vcom Valar." *That these two have entered an oath to the Valar.* Elrond looked up through the sunshine in the trees. "That they have the Blessing." He looked down at Orian and Legolas. "I hereby pronounce you husband and wife." With that, he took his hands away from theirs, and stepped back.
Gimli, who had been watching all of this waited a moment, then said. "Well lad! Haul off and kiss her!"
Orian and Legolas laughed. But Legolas did what he had been advised, and the whole group cheered, and it rang through the forest.
After the kiss ended, Legolas and Orian turned to face their friends, hand in hand. Orian tossed her boque high into the air, and it seemed to fly by magic.
However, everyone was surprised at just who caught it. Eomir of Rohan blushed a bright crimson, looking at the bunch of flowers in his hands. Everyone laughed heartily when they saw his face. They hadn't seen him more shocked even in the field of battle!
Later there was dancing and music. It was a time of great happiness indeed. The Hobbits and Men and Elves clustered together, telling stories of their adventures, and laughing in good nature. Orian, Arwen, and Eowyn sang a merry tune toward the evening's end, bidding the world goodnight. Eventually they all retired, Orian taking Legolas's hand, Eowyn taking Faramir's, and Arwen taking Aragorn's. But Eomir, Gimli, Gandalf, and the Hobbits stayed up till the break of dawn, telling stories and contemplating the world.
***Three Years Later Sailing over the Sea to Valinore*** Legolas and Orian stood alone on the deck of the white swan-ship which was taking them to the Undying Lands. They both wore loose leather riding clothes, having ridden to the shores of Middle-Earth that very morning. Together they watched the shores of Middle-Earth dwindle and then disappear in the distance. And they could not deny the feeling of sadness in their hearts.
Orian leaned her head against Legolas's shoulder, taking a deep breath of the sea air. "Isn't it amazing." She said quietly.
"What?" Legolas asked.
"That we have actually left them."
"I am sure we're leaving Middle-Earth in good hands." He replied. "Our time was over. The time of Men is just beginning."
"Do you think they will use their time wisely?" Orian whispered.
Legolas shrugged. "As long as there is goodness and honor in their hearts." He replied quietly.
Orian nodded, sighing. "I think they will be fine, Legolas." She said. "I really think they will." After a moment she asked, "What do you think will happen when we get to Valinor?"
Legolas sighed, taking her hand in his. "Nothing probably."
It was then that it was as if the sky pulled back in front of them, and the horizon meshed in a brilliant flash of light. Orian and Legolas flung up their hands to try to ward of the blinding light, but within an instant it was gone. And on the horizon, instead of being endless sea, they saw white shores.
"Valinor." Legolas breathed.
"Do you hear that?" Orian asked suddenly.
Legolas nodded. "Singing." He answered. "I hear singing."
***Later***
As the last ship from Middle-Earth docked on the shores of Valinore, a multitude of Elves poured from every house in the nearby city. They came on horseback, on foot, and in carriages.
When Orian, Legolas, Frodo and Gandalf came down the long plank and onto the docks they were waiting for them.
"Welcome." A tall elf said, as they came to a halt in front of him. "We have been waiting for you." He said, his eyes looking over the small group. "We have heard about your great deeds in Middle-Earth, and so honor you. Welcome." He motioned over the sea-shore. "Welcome. To Valinor."
With that, the crowd began to cheer and shout. They sang, their fine elven voices filling the sky. As Orian and Legolas, along with the rest of the group, walked into the city, the people lined up to see them. Flower petals were thrown into the air, where they were caught by the breeze and brought out far over the sea.
Legolas and Orian reached out their hands, and the crowds reached out also, their fingertips brushing. However, that wasn't all. There was laughter. Children's laughter. Elflings came rushing about the small group's legs, looking up at them with bright eyes.
Orian and Legolas glanced at each other, and Legolas wrapped his arm around her waist. Orian laughed, drawing even closer to into his warm embrace. It was then that all hurtful memories of war and pain were forgotten. They would live here forever, and they would be happy. Forever.
(A.N.
And so my story ends,
Full of darkness and danger it was,
And sometimes you didn't want to know the end,
Because how could the end be happy?
But it was.
Like many true struggles between good and evil,
Good always wins,
No matter what.
And that's all you have to remember if nothing else.
Good always wins.
Because there are people out there who won't let it be defeated.)
***//For Your Information//***
Legolas and Orian now have a daughter and two sons. The daughter is most fair, with strait blond hair and a laugh that can shame a bubbling brook. They named her Arwen, for Orian's cousin who followed her heart.
The two boys are great in stature, and they ride their horses over the mountains of Valinor with the eagles. One they named Aragorn, and another they named Haldirran. Both youths have dark brown hair and striking green eyes. Not to mention a mischievous nature that outlasts the day with their joking and laughing.
Orian and Legolas live in the deeper forest of Valanor, in amongst the ever- green trees. However, it isn't the end of their adventures. Sometimes you can see them setting out see what lies beyond the mountain ranges on great white stallions. Always they come back with tales of adventure. However, it is rumored that Arwen, Aragorn, and Haldirran might have a new little sister sometime soon. Everyone is very excited.
-End.